Farmers begin corn, soybean harvest

CEDAR RAPIDS - Iowa farmers began harvesting early planted corn and soybeans in the week that ended on Sunday, taking advantage of more than five days of weather suitable for fieldwork.

The weekly crop progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service revealed 96 percent of Iowa's corn crop was in or beyond the dent stage. Corn maturity reached 58 percent, surpassing last year, but still eight days behind normal.

Seventy-six percent of the state's corn acreage was reported in good to excellent condition.

Leaves were turning color on 94 percent of the soybean crop, equal to the five-year average for the first time this season. Sixty-five percent of the soybean acreage was dropping leaves, three days behind normal. Seventy-four percent of the soybean acreage was in good to excellent condition.

Topsoil moisture was rated 5 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 91 percent complete, just over two weeks behind both 2013 and the five-year average.

Prices for alfalfa hay are lower this year than they were last year, despite the fact that Iowa farmers are projected to harvest 1.08 million acres of hay this year - the lowest harvest acres since the USDA began keeping records in 1909.

Hay prices in Iowa averaged $140 per ton in September, $51 per ton less than in September 2013. Alfalfa hay prices fell $57 per ton from a year ago to $153 per ton, and other hay prices were $30 per ton lower than last year, sitting at $100 per ton.

Pasture condition was rated 67 percent good to excellent in the most recent week. Little stress on livestock was observed.